‘To avoid panic during crisis, clear communication is key’

AT COMMUNICATION FORUM IN SHARJAH, AWARENESS OF VIRUS DISCUSSED

Clear and composed communication will counter false information and panic. This message was emphasised, on the concluding day of the 9th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) held at Expo Centre Sharjah yesterday.

Saif Mohammad Arhama Al Shamsi, deputy director-general of the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), said during a crisis or critical event, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, “it is important to communicate clearly and calmly while countering false information and panic.”

He added: “We don’t want to think about coronavirus but this is a good example to demonstrate how we communicate in a crisis.”

“Firstly, we monitor and assess the situation. Within days, we monitor the situation minute by minute. This is clearly not just a problem for us but for every country. Each country is working on how to communicate critical information at this time regarding citizens’ safety. This is an international matter and every country is dealing with it, responding appropriately and working on keeping their societies secure,” he explained. Al Shamsi said new laws could come in to place to protect the residents from COVID-19. “People [may] need to work from home for some time and we may need to bring this into law,” he noted.

Focus on future leaders

The two-day international forum also sought to create the next generation of government communication leaders.

Two training workshops were held — ‘Innovation in the field of Government Communication’ by Dr Sheren Ali Mousa of Ajman University; and ‘Analysing Communication Research Data’ conducted by Dr Ahmed Farouk of University of Sharjah.

Each country is working on how to communicate critical information at this time regarding citizens’ safety. This is an international matter .” Saif Mohammad Arhama Al Shamsi (left)

| Deputy director-general of NCEMA